Shops forced to close after BBC investigation

Six mini-marts and vape shops on a high street have been forced to close after a BBC investigation uncovered illegal cigarettes, cocaine, cannabis, and prescription medicines being offered for sale over the counter.

The shops in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, were closed through a court order for an initial three months due to illegality inside the premises.

In April, an undercover BBC team was able to buy illegal tobacco products from eight premises on Cradley High Street.

On Tuesday, the government said vape shops would need planning permission and councils would get extra powers to stop betting shops under plans to improve high streets.

In the BBC probe, one shop, Cradley Market, sold the team cannabis and cocaine, as well as offering reporters medication for pain and depression that was only legally available with a GP's prescription.

West Midlands police and Sandwell Trading Standards said they had been investigating the business for several months before the BBC report.

Councillor Bob Jones, from Sandwell Council, said: "We're serious about tackling illegal activity on our high streets. Securing our fifth and sixth closure orders this month sends a clear message that Sandwell Council will not tolerate businesses that break the law.

"We will continue using every tool available to disrupt criminal activity and hold those responsible to account.

"The vast majority of businesses across Sandwell make a positive contribution to our communities and local economy. We want to protect legitimate traders and make sure our town centres remain safe, welcoming and vibrant places for everyone."

Trading standards said they had since visited the premises on 12 occasions, and seized illegal cigarettes, tobacco and drugs including crystal meth.

West Midlands Police confirmed a 43-year-old man from Cradley Heath was charged with possession of Class A and Class B drugs in connection with their investigations at Cradley Market. He is due to appear before magistrates later this month.

The BBC's 18-month long investigation revealed shops were being exploited by organised criminal gangs and used for pushing illegal drugs.

In June, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said people felt high streets were being taken over by "organised crime [and] immigration criminality". The government was "not prepared to tolerate it", she said.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said any information they received about crime linked to shops would always be fully investigated and they would look to identify and prosecute any involved.

"We would urge anyone with information to contact us and our partner agencies. The more evidence and intelligence we receive means we have a better opportunity of combating any illegal activities," they added.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.